Mazzaro to make A’s debut tomorrow

As the A’s start a four-game series w/the White Sox, the big news in pre-game was that hotshot pitching prospect Vin Mazzaro will be called up to start tomorrow night. The A’s have an open spot because two starters were needed for Friday’s doubleheader in Texas, and all signs pointed toward Tuesday’s outing being a one-shot deal for somebody. Not so, Bob Geren says. Mazzaro will start tomorrow and remain in the rotation for the foreseeable future. Edgar Gonzalez will move to the bullpen. Of course, the A’s will need to clear a roster spot for Mazzaro, so Gonzalez could be a candidate for Triple-A.

“Vin has been exceptional at Triple-A. We all feel he’s ready to go,” Geren said.

I’d have to think that this weekend’s series in Texas — when the A’s lost three of four to drop 10 games back in the AL West — spurred this decision in a big way. There’s lots of season left, but this move is the sign of a team looking toward the future (w/good reason, I’d say). But Geren didn’t bite on the topic when asked about it.

“Honestly, I think he gives us the best chance to win. If he’s 20 years old or 30 years old, he gives us the best chance to win.”

In any case, it didn’t take long for the A’s to get all three of their top pitching prospects — Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill and Vin Mazzaro — into the rotation at the same time. This will make things interesting, or as interesting as a 19-29 team can possibly be, right????